The Young, Black, and Fabulous

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• PARTY PEOPLE: Christina Milian, Karrueche, Kenya Moore, NeNe Leakes, Jordin Sparks + Jason Derulo & More Hit The OK! Magazine Pre-Grammy Party!
• CAUGHT UP: Apollo Nida Reportedly ARRESTED For Fraud & Identity Theft + Darren Sharper Claims He's Got Video Footage To Prove He's Innocent Of RAPE
• The Braxtons LAUNCH Gain Flings! + Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora & T.I. At The Friends ‘N’ Family 2014 Grammys Weekend VIP Dinner
• Gabourey Sidibe's Psychic Gave Her A "Bang Pass" And Told Her "To Be A Slut" + Waka Flocka On Doing "LAHH ATL" & Getting MARRIED
• Porsha Williams Is Really Attempting A Music Career...Single "Flatline" Due Next Month + Beyonce & Jay Z Top BILLBOARD Power List
• Nicki Minaj BLASTS ESPN Magazine For Bad Re-Touching Job -- You Made My Forehead Too Long!
• Kendrick Lamar TALKS Social Responsibility, Role Models And The Hood In "JET"
• TEASER: Omari Hardwick Plays A Drug-Kingpin In 50 Cent's New STARZ Series "Power"
• Kevin Hart Covers UPSCALE's February 2014 Issue + Goes Off On Rumors "Black Women" Say About His Girlfriend & Wife!

PARTY PEOPLE: Christina Milian, Karrueche, Kenya Moore, NeNe Leakes, Jordin Sparks + Jason Derulo & More Hit The OK! Magazine Pre-Grammy Party! Posted: 25 Jan 2014 08:19 AM PST Last night at Lure Nightclub in Hollywood, celebs rolled to the OK! Magazine Pre-Grammy event, which featured a performance by Jason Derulo and a "special guest appearance" by his girlfriend Jordin Sparks.   Check out all the fabulous folks who came out to party it up inside... Hot Besties Christina Milian and Karrueche Tran soaked up the flashing lights as they hit the red carpet at Lure last night.  While Kae's man Chris Brown is doing his time in rehab and will be missing the Grammys, she seems to be doing just fine rolling solo. The twosome posed it up with Adrienne Bailon, JRyan Lacour and more. And Christina posed with her fave N'Sync member Lance Bass. Speaking of Adrienne, "The Real" co-host was a stunner in this gold cleavage bearing frock.   Reality stars and good friends Laura Govan and NeNe Leakes made a joint appearance on the carpet.  Loving NeNe's satin pants & blouse look. Kenya Moore celebrated her birthday yesterday by twirling her way onto this carpet in a purple printed cut-out dress. "Single Ladies" star Denise Vasi rocked a cute look and glowing skin on the carpet. WNBA star Skylar Diggins kept it sexy in a little black dress. And the host/performer of the evening looked happy in love while hitting the carpet:     Jordin Sparks and her bangin' bod and her man Jason Derulo posed it up and snapped a pic backstage before he went on to perform his new single "Talk Dirty".   "Girl Code" star Alesha Renee rocked a vampy lip and crop top for a sexy but casual vibe. And Tatyana Ali is prepping to release her "HELLO" EP soon, so she hit the carpet to do a little promo.  Cute.   Photos: WENN/IG

CAUGHT UP: Apollo Nida Reportedly ARRESTED For Fraud & Identity Theft + Darren Sharper Claims He's Got Video Footage To Prove He's Innocent Of RAPE Posted: 24 Jan 2014 05:05 PM PST Apollo Nida is back in trouble with the law.  The Real Husband of Atlanta has reportedly been arrested on fraud and identity theft charges.  The drama unfolds inside, plus an update on Darren Sharper's rape case.... According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Phaedra Parks' husband is caught up yet again.  And this time, it's over alleged bank fraud and identity theft!  We have been wondering what this guy does for a living.... He was reportedly arrested today (some sources say he surrendered himself) and U.S. District Court Judge Gerrilyn G. Brill released him on a pretrial bond. The complaint was filed by the U.S. District Court's office Thursday.  And no word on if "Housewives"'s resident legal eagle Phae Phae will be stepping into this mess in some way to help defend her husband.  Wouldn't be a smart idea, but we all know how ish goes down sometimes.... Apollo, pictured above with his "RHOA" star wife just a few weeks ago at ATL Mayor Kasim Reed's second term re-election party, was previously locked up from 2004-2009 (right before these two got hitched) on federal racketeering charges related to auto title fraud.  And since Phaedra downplayed that drama, we're sure she's cooking up a good southern fried excuse for his newest alleged shady ass activities.  P.S.  Today is Kenya Moore's birthday.  So you KNOW she's eating all this up like a buttercream 3 layer birthday cake..... In other news, former New Orleans Saints baller Darren Sharper is now speaking out via his lawyer against those rape charges. Defense attorney Nandi Campbell released a statement, according to NBC Sports, saying there's a lack of evidence....and he hasn't been charged or arrested.  Oh?  We guess sources like TMZ simply made it sound like he was actually being charged.  “No evidence suggests or implies that a sexual assault occurred,” Campbell said. “The totality of the witnesses’ statements and the physical evidence support the police department and district attorney’s decision not to file criminal charges at this time.” There were, reportedly, two lawsuits filed by two different women claiming to be raped by Darren in hotel rooms. Darren also says he has video proof that one of the women went "willingly" into his apartment after he picked her up at a bar.  And he has proof from witness accounts that she followed him willingly around the bar all night. Maybe Darren doesn't understand that willingly entering an apartment does not automatically equate willingness to have sex.  We won't judge though until all facts are stated....   Photos: Darren's Twitter/Phaedra's IG

The Braxtons LAUNCH Gain Flings! + Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora & T.I. At The Friends ‘N’ Family 2014 Grammys Weekend VIP Dinner Posted: 24 Jan 2014 04:00 PM PST The Braxtons helped GAIN launch their latest product, Flings!  See pics of our fave sisters inside and get the latest of T.I. and Iggy Azalea... Toni, Tamar, Traci, Towanda and Trina Braxton headed to the Empire Hotel yesterday to kick off Grammy weekend and witness the launch of Gain’s first ever single-use detergent, Flings!  And of course, we think of these outspoken sexy ladies when the word "flings" come to mind.  Well, maybe just Trina. Guests also enjoyed a live performance from Toni, who'll release her Love, Marriage‎ & Divorce duet album with Babyface on February 4th. After the performance, Hello Beautiful chatted with the sisters about their marriages, careers, and relationships.  Fab chick Tamar was asked to give relationship advice to her younger self and she said, "I would tell myself to believe in myself and not care what anybody else has to say because they’re going to like you or not like you no matter what. So be you and be happy with you."    In other music news.... Iggy Azalea, Rita Ora and T.I. posed for a pic at the Friends ‘N’ Family 2014 Grammys Weekend VIP Dinner at Mr. C Beverly Hills last night. TIP, who's teamed up with Iggy on the "Change Your Life" track, tweeted "Outchea wasted wit my sober but beautiful homie @thenewclassic… Here’s to da future…. May it be bigger&brighter than da past!!!!” Iggy (shown with President of Billboard Group John Amato and President of Island Records David Massey), who was serving up major body at the party, is still dating LA Lakers star Nick Young.  She told Wild Jam 94.9 recently about how she went from not watching basketball to becoming a fan. "I'm a fan of his. He makes me like a fan.  I can't sit here and pretend that I liked basketball before, I didn't, I really didn't care about basketball before." We're sure you didn't Iggy.... Photos via WireImage/Iggy's IG/GAIN

Gabourey Sidibe's Psychic Gave Her A "Bang Pass" And Told Her "To Be A Slut" + Waka Flocka On Doing "LAHH ATL" & Getting MARRIED Posted: 24 Jan 2014 03:18 PM PST A voodoo doctor from Detroit gave "American Horror Story: Coven" star Gabourey Sidibe a pass to smash anyone she wants in New Orleans! Watch the interview here and see what Waka Flocka said appearing on "LAHH ATL" and getting married. "Coven" star Gabourey Sidibe stopped by "The Arsenio Hall Show" last night where she dished about filming the hit show in New Orleans and visiting with psychics and voodoo doctors during her downtime (including the head voodoo priestess of New Orleans - a white woman from Detroit!). She revealed that one psychic gave her some interesting advice about sex and relationships. She said about her convo with the psychic,  "Well, you're not going to find [a boyfriend] here. You might as well f--k who you want then. "I was like, are you giving me the bang pass?.....A psychic told me to be a slut. How do I explain that to my gonorrhea doctor? He's already really mad at me." Teeheee..... The season finale of "AHS: Coven" airs Wednesday at 9pmCT.   In other interviews... Waka Flocka chatted it up with 93.9 WKYS in D.C. about his fiancee Tammy Rivera and their upcoming wedding and appearance on "LAHH ATL".  Here are the highlights: What about the rumors of Mona Scott trying to get you on Love and Hip Hop ATL? Yea I’m on it. My fiance’ she on it, so you know I’m backing her up 110%. She like baby you gotta do it, I’m on there…but I’m not doing it by myself. You're not worried? Because you know how they say reality tv can mess things up? They know not to play with me. I’d go sit behind that metal for mines. But its not even about that. To me, a person can’t do nothing you don’t let them. Like if you said it out your mouth, you meant it. Nobody can make you say nothing. The cameras cant make me say nothing I don’t mean so I’m not worried about it. I don’t play with nobody. I’m a stand up person. I’m super loyal. Did you ever think you would be getting married? Hell Naw! I’m like, I’m a scumbag. Nobody want me man but it’s like, you don’t know what you want until it walk in your face. You don’t know your taste until you get that smell. You know, that food ain’t good until you smell it. You like damn, I need to try that. I guess it always takes one person to change your opinion and your mind on things and I met my one person. Is Waka involved with the planning of the wedding? Hell No. I suck! I’m not even romantic. That’s the only thing my girl complain about. I have no romance! Ya, know bevaise I grew up so hard..like my momma so hard too…All I know how to do is get her flowers . What was special about your fiance’ to make you say, 'You’re the one'? If I say one or two things, I’d be a liar! It’s numerous. She’s everything in one body. Photo via Tammy Rivera's Instagram

Porsha Williams Is Really Attempting A Music Career...Single "Flatline" Due Next Month + Beyonce & Jay Z Top BILLBOARD Power List Posted: 24 Jan 2014 02:33 PM PST So, "RHOA" star Porsha Williams just dished about her upcoming music single & EP.  So yeah, she's serious about making us hear that voice of hers.  Deets inside, plus how Kim Zolciak is throwing SHADE.... Oh Porsha.  That sound you call a mix of Beyonce, Rihanna and whoever else you thought o at the reunion show last year is finally getting its shine.  or something. The newly divorced "RHOA" star told The Dish that not only is she releasing a single....but she's releasing an entire 5-song EP. "I just finished the first single.  We're going to be releasing the single within the next two weeks! I'm so excited!" Oh. The first single is called "Flatline", and a songwriter apparently helped her pen her feelings about her breakup and the epic fallout with Kordell Stewart. "I've been working on this song throughout the whole divorce and the whole season [of RHOA], mapping out my emotions and putting in things that I've gone through," she explains of her "soulful" sound. "It's really kind of a documentary of everything that I went through to become who I am now. "It's emotional and it's me really being vulnerable and just saying the things that a lot of people feel when you have a heartache and break up with someone," she adds. Well, this should be interesting.  Especially since Porsha said this isn't just for show and she's "serious" about her music career: "I know that I'm taking myself seriously. This is not my first time in the studio—I've done demo tracks before," Porsha explains. "I didn't become a Housewife and say, 'Oh, I want to sing!' I just decided I had the time to put into it, to actually release something this time. When you go through something like I did, you lean on music. It was really important to me and I decided I wanted to share that with everybody else." But former "RHOA" star and "Tardy For the Party" legend Kim Zolciak is still throwing shade: “@RLBANKZ: These "housewives" stay trying to put out music but no one will beat @Kimzolciak's #TardyForTheParty” But Porsha didn't go with Kandi Burruss to help her with her music like Kim did: "We didn’t work together on any of these songs, but she did stop by the studio once or twice while I was working on a couple songs and gave me a few angles and pointers," says Porsha. "[Kandi] was such a great friend—pushing me and telling me she believed in me. She was very encouraging." And how she feels about her music: Porsha says she broke down when she heard her new track for the first time and can't wait to see how other react when it's released next month. "When we first put it together, I literally cried," she says. "I was like, 'Wow, this embodies everything that I have ever felt, and any of my girlfriends have ever felt, when they were coming out of a breakup. It's just a beautiful song." So....who's ready to blast "Flatline"?!   Beyonce & Jay Z are still riding high from their epic success in 2013.  Bey changed all the rules with her secret yet record-breaking release of her visual album Beyonce.  And Hov changed the rules of what makes platinum sales platinum with his Magna Garta Holy Grail album and collabo with Samsung. So it's only right BILLBOARD recognizes them as the top of the Billboard Power 100 list. “She took a high risk and was highly rewarded for it,” said Guy Oseary, who manages Madonna and U2. “I love what she did. Thank you, Beyoncé—it brings much-needed excitement and buzz to our industry.” “Artists have always had the power but courage is in short supply. It’s just that the hip-hop generation believes in the possibilities,” said Jay Z’s longtime associate Lyor Cohen. “Jay and Beyoncé don’t listen to the noise—they make the noise.” Congrats to the Carters! The full list is over at BILLBOARD and the issue hit stands today.   Photos: Porsha's IG, Bey's Tumblr/Billboard

Nicki Minaj BLASTS ESPN Magazine For Bad Re-Touching Job -- You Made My Forehead Too Long! Posted: 24 Jan 2014 01:09 PM PST One would think Nicki Minaj would be grateful to be tapped to cover ESPN magazine with an NBA living legend like Kobe Bryant.  But instead, she spent her time on IG complaining about a "bad re-touching" job done by the mag.  She posted her own personal pics to combat the "long forehead" she claims the mag gave her.    Check 'em out inside.... We're not photoshop experts or anything--even though we can usually spot a majorly fake PS job a mile away--but we're thinking Nicki's personal "untouched" photos are looking pretty similar to the cover ESPN magazine went with as their final shot. The pretty rapstress posted several of her own pics saying, "I love my personal un-retouched photos where my forehead doesn't mysteriously grow in length." So check out the "untouched" photos below and decide for yourselves:     She did say she was honored to take part in this with Kobe.  Maybe she's just a chick who's a perfectionist when it comes to her brand.  We get it.  And can't be mad at that....   Photos: Nicki's IG

Kendrick Lamar TALKS Social Responsibility, Role Models And The Hood In "JET" Posted: 24 Jan 2014 11:39 AM PST Five-time Grammy nominee Kendrick Lamar covers JET Magazine's Black History Month Issue.  See what he said about making socially responsible hits inside.... For Black History Month, JET Magazine turned to "Poetic Justice" rapper Kendrick Lamar for a thought-provoking conversation centered around social issues, how he uses passionate storytelling to impact lives and why he is described as a dude from but not of, the ’hood.  And this is TOTALLY why we have such a crush on him. Here are the highlights: On COVERING "Jet": “I always seen [JET magazine] every time I walked into the house,” said Lamar. “It was always there. So I already knew that it had to hold some type of weight. Being a young cat, I had to know, since this magazine is right here all the time, it must be a powerful magazine. So it’s a privilege just to be a part of it, and for Black History Month, it’s a beautiful thing.” On social responsibility in music: “Hip-hop plays a huge part in Black history. It’s bigger than music. Entertainers are actually leading a generation today as role models, whether they want to or not.” On using his music as a "movement": “(Songs) They are for that person who needs to hear them. People who live their lives to this music. So I take it a little further than just coming up with a clever line.” On his male role models: My earliest role model is my father, then my uncles Lil Man and Bobby,” Lamar shared. “These are the cats who I felt handled their business and took care of their family.” On Jay Z's influence: “People forget that Jay Z is from the projects – but that inspires me. If this guy can go from the streets to the corporate world, that lets me know I’m open for anything.”   Kendrick is nominated for five GRAMMYS, and the show airs live Sunday January 26th on CBS at 8pmET. Watch BTS video here:   Read the full interview when JET hits newsstands Monday, January 27.   Photos via JET

TEASER: Omari Hardwick Plays A Drug-Kingpin In 50 Cent's New STARZ Series "Power" Posted: 24 Jan 2014 10:50 AM PST "Being Mary Jane" actor Omari Hardwick plays the lead in a new STARZ series that rapper 50 Cent is producing.  Watch a teaser for "Power" inside... Yo've seen him get it in in gym showers and Mary Jane's couch on "Being Mary Jane"....now "Verses & Flow" host Omari Hardwick is gearing up for the lead in "Power", an original series for STARZ with 50 Cent on board as Executive Producer.  Here's STARZ's synopsis of the show: “Power’ tells the story of wealthy New York City nightclub owner, James “Ghost” St. Patrick, who caters to the city’s elite. He wants to build an empire, turn the club into a Fortune 500 business, but there’s just one problem: he is living a double life. When he is not in the club, he is the kingpin of the most lucrative drug network in New York for a very high-level clientele. His marriage, family and business all become unknowingly threatened as he is tempted to leave his criminal life behind and become the rags-to-riches businessman he wants to be most of all.” Omari will be joined by Naturi Naughton as Tasha St. Patrick (his wife), La La Anthony and Debbi Morgan.  The series is created by Courtney Kemp Agboh in association with CBS Television Studios. Check out the first teaser above.   SIDEBAR:  Why do all of Omari's characters ("e.g. "Being Mary Jane") lead double lives?     "Power" will premiere on STARZ this summer.   The Randomness: 1.  Jennifer Lewis and Debbie Allen are reuniting for "Ventura Boulevard", an original film that will pay homage to "Sunset Boulevard" from the perspective of an aging Black actress.  Story.   2.  In new gigs, J. August Richards' "Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." character Mike Peterson will become "Deathlok" on the ABC series.  Story.   Photos via Starz/Omari Hardwick's Twitter

Kevin Hart Covers UPSCALE's February 2014 Issue + Goes Off On Rumors "Black Women" Say About His Girlfriend & Wife! Posted: 24 Jan 2014 10:00 AM PST He's totally on fire these days.  Kevin Hart is starring in umpteen movies in 2014 (as well as 2013), and he's talking all about his dream career and the rumors about leaving his black ex-wife for an "exotical" girlfriend in the February 2014 issue of UPSCALE magazine.   Check it inside... The Ride Along star and upcoming About Last Night star thinks his career is just as dream-worthy as we do.  Kevin Hart seems to have taken Hollywood and the comedy world by storm.  And yes, he's scared it'll all disappear if he blinks.  Maybe that's why he works harder than most in Hollywood. Here's a few highlights on everything we've been wondering about: His fabulous career success, his feelings on his ex-wife Torrei joining "Atlanta Exes", what caused his divorce, and his thoughts on rumors that he left his black ex-wife for the typical "exotic" new girlfriend Enikko Parrish (she's actually Jamaican!):   On his career success: "I know how much I’ve put into my craft. And thus far, I don’t feel like I’ve half-assed my career at any point. And that is why I’m able to sit back and smile. Seeing people go crazy when they see my trailers come up and hearing them whisper, ‘I can’t wait to go see this’—it’s a good feeling.” On the rumors about his girlfriend and ex-wife: “I read so much stuff that Black women say, especially about my relationship. ‘Oh, he left his Black wife to go be with some exotic chick.’ First of all, my girl is Black. She’s Jamaican. But they say it as if they know what me and my ex-wife’s problems were. When we first got together, our relationship was amazing. We got married young and our s*** got rocky. In my divorce, I stood up and said to my ex-wife, ‘Hey, I messed up. This had nothing to do with you. I didn’t understand what marriage was. I cheated. I was wrong. We couldn’t fix it, it got worse. I stepped away because I didn’t want it to get any worse. You’re the mother of my kids, I don’t want to hate you. And the only way that’s gonna happen, is if I’m the bigger man and I leave.’ I think that was a very mature thing to do.” On ex-wife Torrei joining the cast of VH1's Atlanta Exes:  “I gave her my opinion on why those shows are put on air. I said, ‘Ask yourself if you really wanna get caught up in that world, because it’s not all glitz and glamour. You have no power over that editing.’ I just tried to give her the best advice based on my experience. She felt it was a good opportunity and she wanted to do it. At the end of the day, it’s my job: that’s the mother of my kids, I’m gonna support her. I still love her, I’m not gonna see her out there doing bad. So you just back the decision and hope that it becomes a good thing for her. “ On transitioning from a comedian to rom-com star: “People usually get to see me in these funny, crazy forums. So to see me in a relationship realm on camera is refreshing because I’m bringing a certain level of honesty to it, but I’m doing it in such a crazy way that you catch yourself laughing at real life situations.”   Kevin DOES keep it all the way 100, we must say.  Meanwhile, Ride Along is already set to get a sequel, and will likely nab the #1 spot a second time in a row as there's little to no competition this movie weekend. BONUS: ABC just announced they will be adding a new comedy to their lineup that is cast-contingent.  And it's based on Kevin Hart's life.  Nice!

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